Better-Than-Basic Pullover - Shelter Version

Better-Than-Basic Pullover - Shelter Version

Our Better-Than-Basic Pullover is two years old this fall! Published alongside the Go-To Cardigan and the Modern Wrapper Fine, we keep finding new yarns (and some old faves) that work. When Brooklyn Tweed’s newest marls arrived, we knew we had to knit our pullover again with this lofty yarn. The marled yarn elevates the simplicity of classic stockinette stitch, bringing a whole new depth to our old favorite.

For a roomy sweatshirt feel, think about knitting it up a size larger for yourself. It’ll be just as cozy and comfortable, while keeping that touch of casual elegance.

The knitting of this design is straightforward: stockinette stitch with a couple of simple ribbing patterns. It’s the thoughtful styling details that add subtle flair. The flattering dropped shoulder creates a roomy armhole without the usual excess fabric bunching under the arm. The slim, straight cuff tapers up to the armhole. And a little short-row shaping allows the front and back hemline to hang more evenly when worn. Knit flat in pieces, and sewn together when the knitting is complete.

A new take on a Classic!

Pick up the pattern and your yarn below (see the Knitters' Notes tab for suggestions on fit and sizing, and then the Basic Details tab for how many skeins you'll need for your size). We’ve chosen some favorite shades of Shelter here, but if you’d like to see the full selection of colors, just head over to the Brooklyn Tweed Shelter page.

SIZES This pullover is designed with lots of ease (8–10"/20–25cm), relaxed shoulders and slim sleeves in sizes XS (S, M, L, XL).

We can’t stress enough the value of a generous swatch. We like to work one that’s at least 6" x 6". And don’t skip the wet block and steam steps. Beyond checking your stitch and row gauge, you will want to look critically at the resulting fabric. Your swatch will tell you if you’ve got a nice fabric that has both drape and body.

Designed with versatility in mind, it’s well suited to all body types. Several of our staff looked great in all five sizes, from slightly fitted to very oversized; all of us looked good in at least two sizes! So instead of thinking in terms of a specific size, think about the amount of ease you want (the difference between your actual bust measurement and the actual sweater measurement).

We suggest you try on sweaters of different length to see what works for you, and then measure the length from your high shoulder (where the shoulder meets the neck) to hem and use this as your template. After you decide on the size, just personalize the sleeve length from the varying degrees of shoulder drop (the pattern tells you how).

A couple of easy modifications will result in a sweater that’s great for those of us who run warm. The neckline is designed so that the collar can be tucked in and sewn down, sitting a flattering distance away from the neck. And sleeve length can be customized to end above the wrist, making for a cooler sweater by keeping the wrist pulse points uncovered.